Why 666?

[toonmilo]

Why is the devils number known as 666? Where does it come from?

[Octavius]

The main passage in the Bible that mentions the "mark of the beast" is Revelation 13:15-18.  Other references can be found in Revelation 14:9,11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4. This mark acts as a "seal" for the followers of antichrist and the false prophet (the spokesperson for the antichrist). The false prophet (the second beast) is the one who causes people to take this mark.

The meaning of 666 is a mystery as well. Revelation 13:18 tells us, "This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666." Somehow, the number 666 will identify the antichrist. For centuries Bible interpreters have been trying to identify certain individuals with 666. Nothing is conclusive. That is why Revelation 13:18 says the number requires wisdom. When the antichrist is revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), it will be clear who he is and how the number 666 identifies him.

[flashpig]

Supposedly it has been found that it is now 616 http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question109 890.html

[Loosehead]

Completely unconnected piece of trivia, all the numbers on the roulette wheel add up to 666!

[Clanad]

I would only add slightly to Octavius' post by saying that the Hebrew language of the Old Testament, composed of 22 alpabetical symbols attaches a numerical value to each symbol.  The sect of Judaism much in the news lately called Kabalah, is, in large part, based on this aspect. Many scholars believe the number 666 is derived from the the combined numerical values of a word or words in the original Hebrew...

[Octavius]

Ah, now we're onto something.  In many ancient languages and by use of imaginative codes we can come up with a myriad of connotations.

The attached refers, but briefly below (amongst others):

Latin : 666 = VICARIUS FILII DEI, which means (apparently and conveniently) "In place of the Son of God"

Hebrew: 666 = ROMIITH or ROMITI meaning "Roman Kingdom" or "Roman man".

Greek: 666 = LATEINOS or "Latin speaking man"

It's all creative accounting to me.

[Octavius]

This attached refers:

http://www.aloha.net/~mikesch/666.htm

[Sequin]

667 = the neighbour of the beast!